REGAL Electric fans worth it on stock engine?

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CaliWagon83

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Nov 12, 2017
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Hey guys. It seems whenever I post in here anymore, I get jumped on for being a lightweight for not going all the way with a big-horse engine swap. I'm not going to beat a dead horse, but a full-blown LS swap/restomod is probably not going to happen in one fell swoop. At least for the next couple of years, it's going to be the incremental approach. motorheadmike and those guys can go pound sand and street race their Hellcats for all I care. :rolleyes: Anyway...On to my main question.

Does going to an electric fan setup make that much of a difference on a stock engine? I'm fairly decided that I'm going to probably do a 200-4R and a 3.42 or 3.55 behind my stock engine for the time being to wake it up a little around town. At some point in its life, a big-@$$ mechanical fan was put on it because it was overheating, and I think the clutch was locked on (if it wasn't already from the factory) where it's always spinning when the engine is running. I've only got 110 hp to start with, and it seems the fan probably robs at least 10 of that. I know running an electrical fan setup will put more of a load on the electrical system, and if part of the deal is upgrading the alternator, I'm OK with that. It just seems that it would cause less parasitic drag most of the time as they will only run as-needed, or when the AC is on. Does it make much of a difference in real-world performance, or not enough to really make a difference? Thanks in advance.
 
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CaliWagon83

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Nov 12, 2017
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For you guys that have done it, for the fan shroud, did you get one custom made (or made it yourself?) or go with an out-of-the-box setup? Everything I've read says a shroud/enclosure with electric fans is a must-do, as without them, they just move a lot of air, but don't do that much cooling.
 

pontiacgp

blank
Mar 31, 2006
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I have 2 16" fans, 1 pull and 1 push with no shroud. I have the pull fan set to come on at 215° and the other to kick in at 220°. When I'm on the highway the temp sits at around 190° so the fans never come on. In the city the pull fan usually handles the heat.
 
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79 USA 1

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Sep 2, 2011
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Just throwing my two cents where is is not needed. On a stock engine , I've had better luck with a good heavy duty clutch, 7 blade fan and stock shroud . On my 406 in my 79 Monte Carlo I went to a Flexolite dual electric fan just for cool down between drag racing rounds and after two years went back to the 7 blade and heavy duty clutch set up. It cooled better in traffic and I did not have to run deep cycle batteries. Just my experience with them, many others have had better luck.
 
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CaliWagon83

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Nov 12, 2017
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Thanks, 79 USA 1. Looking for all perspectives. I certainly haven't had any issues with overheating since I've gotten the car back on the road, and that includes driving in 100+°F temps with the AC on. Recently had the AC recharged and the radiator replaced. Just looking to squeeze a few more ponies out of the V-6.
 

blk7gxn

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Feb 7, 2019
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Thanks, 79 USA 1. Looking for all perspectives. I certainly haven't had any issues with overheating since I've gotten the car back on the road, and that includes driving in 100+°F temps with the AC on. Recently had the AC recharged and the radiator replaced. Just looking to squeeze a few more ponies out of the V-6.
Its half a dozen, one or the other. For sure you wont get the engine drag from the clutch fan when in operation mode, HOWEVER using electric fans cause demand for more voltage/ amps out of the alternator, causing it to work harder and have a drag on the engine too, SO as 79 USA 1 had stated about going with a heavier clutch fan, also i would invest in a heavy duty radiator TOO, this in itself will keep EITHER fan setup at minimal engagement, best of luck, and by the way, LOVE that your keeping the original 3.8!
 
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fleming442

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Dec 26, 2013
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I'd go electric if it were mine, but there's also "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". 10% sounds better than 11hp, but in reality, you probably won't even be able to feel it. Want a power boost? Turn the AC off.
 
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Longroof79

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Oct 14, 2008
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I agree with Bob (79 USA 1) regarding the use of a 7-blade HD clutch fan set up. If you do decide or consider an electric fan setup, many of the dual fans have a built in shroud. I would then consider going with a higher output alternator.
I'm using a 7-blade fan and HD clutch and I'm pleased with the performance, and to keep it old school simple. Also installed a CS-130 , 105 amp alternator, thinking I would be going with electric fans.
 
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